Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

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Overview
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Discover the mysteries of the Doge’s Palace in Venice with this secret itineraries tour. Skip the long line and head straight inside to explore the palace’s opulent public chambers adorned with masterpieces of Renaissance art. Learn how the powerful doges ruled the Venetian Republic with an iron fist, and gain rare entry into shadowy quarters of the Piombi attic prison, where Casanova was once locked up. Walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs and wander the dark dungeons of the New Prison network.

Highlights

1.25-hour guided Doge's Palace tour with skip-the-line entrance ticket
Tour the beautiful public rooms and see Renaissance artwork by Tintoretto and Veronese
Learn about the doges of Venice, who ruled the city for a thousand years
Enjoy exclusive access to the Piombi attic prison, where Casanova was once held
Walk across the Bridge of Sighs to explore the New Prisons

Recent Photos of This Tour

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Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

Torture private hangings

The noose for interrogation, torture and private hangings. Other prisoners would be held in the second floor ...

Photo by: Kathryn B
06 2016
The bridge of Sighs Ponte dei ...

Legend has it that prisoners would sigh as they took their last look at Venice during their walk to their execution. ...

Photo by: Kathryn B
06 2016
Typical cell in Doges cells.

Cell could hold up to 6 people. The lower cells would even flood. No wonder prisoners didn't get out alive.

Photo by: Kathryn B
06 2016
Aga, Super Storyteller

A great tour guide for children and adults alike. Very entertaining, full of knowledge, and adept at capturing the ...

Photo by: Alison P
06 2016
View from the Bridge of Sighs

Standing inside the bridge of Sighs looking at Ponte della Puglia Bridge

Photo by: Jacqueline B
06 2016
20160421_044930

Photo by: Jennifer W
04 2016
Room with hidden door

Mirroring doors on each side of the room looked like wardrobes when the doors were shut.

Photo by: lee
09 2015
Magnificent ceiling art

The public rooms were richly decorated.

Photo by: lee
09 2015
Inside the palace cafeteria

Great little photo spot with gondolas going by in the palace cafeteria. Grab a coffee or water and enjoy!

Photo by: onniv
07 2015
Inside the palace

Nice tour. A lot to see. Be sure to schedule free time to walk around at the end because there is so much still to ...

Photo by: onniv
07 2015
Courtyard

The first courtyard we entered at the start of the Secret Itineraries Tour.

Photo by: Jeffrey C
06 2015
Secret Passage

You literally can walk through this cupboard. One of many secret passages in the Doge's Palace.

Photo by: Jeffrey C
06 2015
Torture Chamber Doges Palace

Here is where prisoners were strung up and questioned by Doge personnel. The tour guide is explaining the apparatus.

Photo by: Jeffrey C
06 2015
Tintoretto Masterpiece

A view of just one of the amazing pieces of art in the Doge's Palace.

Photo by: Jeffrey C
06 2015
A prisoner's words

Doge's palace prison cell

Photo by: Art K
09 2014
Doge great hall

Just unbelievable decadence so long ago!

Photo by: Gary P D
07 2014
Doge Palace rooms

one of MANY beautiful ornate ceilings in MANY huge rooms!

Photo by: Gary P D
07 2014
a view from the Bridge of ...

this was the last view of Venice the prisoners had, so they always let out a big Sigh!

Photo by: Gary P D
07 2014
on the secret tour

outside Casanovas second cell

Photo by: Gary P D
07 2014
Inside the courtyard

Waiting to begin our Secrets Tour

Photo by: Gary P D
07 2014

What You Can Expect

Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

See the Bridge of Sighs at Doge's Palace

Built in the 14th century, the Doge’s Palace was once the governing base of the former Venetian Republic’s powerful rulers, the doges. Meet your guide in St Mark’s Square, and admire the palace’s magnificent Venetian Gothic architecture before heading to the front of the long entry queue.

Wander through awe-inspiring public rooms adorned from floor to ceiling with gilded carvings, murals and opulent décor. Your guide will point out Renaissance masterworks by painters Tintoretto and Veronese, including the famous ceiling fresco Juno Bestowing her Gifts on Venice. See the Trial Chambers of the Council of Ten and learn how this room was used to dispatch the fearsome secret service to investigate traitors of the republic.

Ascend to the attic and step inside the secretive chambers of the Piombi prison — a network of cells directly beneath the palace’s lead roof that was generally reserved for upper-class inmates and political prisoners. Let your imagination run wild in this part of the palace that is rarely open to the public, and hear how the legendary Venetian lover Casanova was imprisoned here and later made a daring escape.

Next, cross the famous Bridge of Sighs into the New Prison complex, built in the 16th century. Wander the harrowing network of cells on your own, and then breathe a sigh of relief as you step back into the open air of St Mark’s Square at the end of your 1.25-hour tour.